Shopify Inc. is making significant strides in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of a suite of new AI products for its e-commerce platform. Additionally, the company is automating its own labor force to minimize the workload handled by humans. The introduction of these new tools is considered a pivotal step towards Shopify’s vision of embracing the AI era.

Shopify believes that AI has immense potential to benefit individuals looking to build and grow their businesses. The company is committed to making the power of AI accessible to businesses of all sizes. In February, Shopify introduced Shopify Magic, a product-description tool that utilized large-language models and neural networks, similar to the technology behind the popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT.

Now, Shopify is expanding Shopify Magic with Sidekick, a feature that enables merchants to handle administrative tasks and creative challenges such as customer inquiries and marketing assistance. The company is also launching AI-driven e-mail campaigns that provide tailored e-mail newsletters and announcements with just a few words, offering small businesses around the world a way to reduce manpower and overhead expenses.

Alongside the introduction of AI tools, Shopify is going through an organizational transition. Concerns have been raised about job losses due to AI-induced redundancies, especially after the company experienced layoffs of over 20% of its workforce in May. However, Shopify’s CEO, Tobias Lütke, reassured audiences that AI replaces tasks, not jobs, during a tech conference in Toronto. He emphasized that AI automation is not expected to lead to further layoffs at the company.

In addition to AI advancements, Shopify has unveiled upgrades in other areas. This includes enhancements to its checkout process, the introduction of a new credit card for eligible US-based merchants, and the launch of Marketplace Connect-a centralized hub that allows merchants to manage their operations across various marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Etsy.

With these new AI products and upgrades, Shopify continues to solidify its position as a leading e-commerce platform, embracing innovative technology to empower businesses of all scales.